Pets &​Wildlife

Keep Your Animals Safe Around BEARS, COYOTES, and PANTHERSWhen pets are outdoors, they can encounter native wildlife from larger carnivores to toxic toads. Bears acting defensively towards dogs contributed to the majority of human injuries caused by bears in Florida. To keep you and your pets safe, follow some of these best practices:

​Keep pets and livestock inside or properly penned. If left outside, provide total containment (secured roof, sides, doors, and bottom).

Consider carrying bear spray or an air horn when walking your dog. Use a non-retractable leash for better control.

At night, use motion lighting and make noise to scare wildlife away before letting dogs out. Keep them in the lit area.

Do not release a pet to chase bears, coyotes, or panthers away. Wildlife may respond defensively.

Do not get between a dog and a bear, coyote, or panther. Instead, use a water hose or bear spray from a safe distance.

If a bear, coyote, or panther turns its attention to you, convince them you are a danger to be avoided. DO NOT RUN. Stay upright. Raise and wave your arms to look bigger and speak to the animal in a loud, assertive voice.

Free Pet Safety PostersIf your business welcomes pet owners, contact the Naples Zoo to get these free posters created by the Naples Zoo and FWC with information to post in veterinary hospitals, pet stores, etc. Provide your mailing address and the number of posters needed. Large quantities may require shipping fees. The professionally printed posters are heavyweight and coated so they can be wiped off if needed.